Fox News declines to confirm or deny speculation about timeslot for new primetime personality

Kelly’s move to primetime has been anticipated since July, when the 21st Century Fox-owned cable-news network announced she would move to an unspecified slot from her daytime roost on “America Live” upon her return from maternity leave. But the network is declining to offer more specific detail, despite a post on Drudge Report stating she will inherit the 9 p.m. slot from Sean Hannity.

“We will neither confirm nor deny any programming schedule changes. As previously stated, the network has signed long-term deals with Megyn Kelly, Bret Baier, Shepard Smith, Bill O’Reilly, Sean Hannity and Greta Van Susteren,” the network said in a statement issued by a Fox News representative.

Until today, speculation had swirled that Kelly might take the 10 p.m. slot on Fox News Channel that is currently occupied by Van Susteren.

Since February 2010, Kelly has anchored the network’s daytime news program “America Live” while also appearing in a weekly primetime segment on “The O’Reilly Factor” called “The Kelly File.” Last fall, she co-anchored, alongside Baier, Fox News Channel’s 2012 Election Night coverage, which delivered more than 12 million viewers.

To be sure, moving Kelly to 9 p.m. does not mean Hannity is leaving primetime. He could move elsewhere within the lineup.

According to press reports, Fox News chairman and CEO Roger Ailes told investors Friday at a 21st Century Fox event that all of the network’s “stars” would remain with the outlet.

Hannity has a loyal following…including me. I love the people that frequent the show, especially Luntz. Hate to see him removed from the Mon-Fri slot. He has hard hitting commentary and speaks for the people that currently have no voice in the media. Megan will be good but would like to see both of them. Maybe Megan could do a spot like Huckabee?? If she proves herself ….then maybe primetime.